Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between

Home / Education / Difference Between Case Study and Case History

Difference Between Case Study and Case History

June 11, 2015 Posted by Admin

Case Study vs Case History
 

Although most of us confuse case study and case history to be the same, there exists a difference between these two words. These are used in many disciplines and allow the researcher to be more informative of people, and events. First, let us define the words.  A case study refers to a research method where a person, group or an event is being investigated. A case history, on the other hand, refers to a record of data which contributes to a case study. This is the main difference between a case study and case history. Through this article let us examine this difference further.

What is a Case Study?

A case study is a research method used to investigate an individual, a group of people, or a particular phenomenon. Case studies are conducted in many sciences; for example, in sociology, psychology, political science. A case study allows the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic. To conduct a case study, the researcher can use a number of techniques. For example, observation, interviews, usage of secondary data such as documents, records, etc. A case study usually goes on for a longer period because the researcher has to explore the topic deeply.

The case study method was first used in the clinical medicine so that the doctor has a clear understanding of the history of the patient. Although case studies are referred to as methods within the case study, various methods are used in the case study. Let us comprehend this through an example. A psychologist who conducts a case study of an individual uses various methods. For example, he can use observation to observe the individual. He can also use interview method through which he can broaden the understanding. When using the interview method, the questions can be directed not only to the individual on whom the case study is being conducted but also on those who are related to the individual. This creates a clearer picture.  A special feature of case studies is that it produces qualitative data that are rich and authentic.

Difference Between Case Study and Case History

What is a Case History?

Unlike a case study that refers to a method, a case history refers to a record of an individual or even a group. Case histories are used in many disciplines such as psychology, sociology, medicine, psychiatry, etc. A case history consists of all the necessary information of the individual.

In medicine, a case history refers to a specific record that reveals the personal information, medical condition, the medication that has been used and special conditions of the individual. Having a case history can be very beneficial even in the case of mental patients so that it can be used before treatments.

However, a case history does not necessarily have to be connected to an individual; it can even be of an event that took place. The case history is a recording that narrates a sequence of events. Such a narrative allows the researcher to look at an event in retrospect.it can even be of an event that took place. The case history is a recording that narrates a sequence of events. Such a narrative allows the researcher to look at an event in retrospect.

Case Study vs Case History

What is the Difference Between Case Study and Case History?

Definitions of Case Study and Case History:

Case Study: A case study is a research method used to investigate an individual, a group of people or a particular phenomenon.

Case History: A case history refers to a record of an individual or even a group.

Characteristics of Case Study and Case History:

Nature:

Case Study: It is a method in which a number of techniques can be used for data collection.

Case History: It is a record of information.

Methods:

Case Study: For a case study, interviews, observation, secondary sources can be used.

Case History: A case history is a secondary source that can contribute to a case history.

 

Image Courtesy:

1.”Shimer College Discussion Class” by Shimer College – www.shimer.edu. [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. “Une leçon clinique à la Salpêtrière” by André Brouillet – Photo prise dans un couloir de l’université Paris V. [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons

Related posts:

Difference Between Case Study and Experiment Difference Between Case Study and Research Difference Between Case Study and Solved Case Study Difference Between Case Study and Ethnography Difference Between Case Study and Scientific Research

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: Case History, Case History Definition, Case Study, Case Study and Case History, Case Study and Case History Difference, Case Study Definition, Characteristics of Case History, Characteristics of Case Study, Research and case study

About the Author: Admin

Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request Article

Featured Posts

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and SARS

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19

You May Like

Difference Between Communication and Effective Communication

Difference Between Chain Drive and Belt Drive

Difference Between Point Mutation and Chromosomal Mutation

Difference Between Point Mutation and Chromosomal Mutation

Difference Between Arthritis and Bursitis

Difference Between HTC Evo Design 4G and Evo 4G

Latest Posts

  • What is the Difference Between Anesthesia and Paresthesia
  • What is the Difference Between Voice Over and Dubbing
  • What is the Difference Between Centric Occlusion and Centric Relation
  • What is the Difference Between Foundation and BB Cream
  • What is the Difference Between Cybrids and Hybrids
  • What is the Difference Between Hapten and Adjuvant
  • Home
  • Vacancies
  • About
  • Request Article
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. All rights reserved. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal.